The next day was a whirlwind of activity. Our mission was clear, and the wheels of our plans were set in motion. Despite Kokoro's insistence that I remain behind to help look after the land and Grandma Haruko, I had made up my mind. The mission to Yuki no Mura was one I couldn’t pass up. It was a crucial moment for the federation’s continuous growth, expanding our influence through trade, alliances, and, most importantly, fostering peace in a region that needed our support.
Though Kokoro was reluctant, I had convinced her to stay behind, promising to return quickly, and after some back-and-forth, she finally agreed. I was given command of the mission, not only as the leader but also as the spokesperson for Kokoro and our federation, the one who would represent the strength of our people and our commitment to peace.
Our destination, Yuki no Mura, lay in the remote, snow-covered mountains of Katsuragi, a village known for its connection to winter magic and its powerful weather-based wards. We had been keeping a close eye on them via our satellite network, seeing their crisis unfold as they faced mounting monster attacks. The time to act was now—enough preparation had been made, and we were ready to intervene.
As our convoy made its way through the snow-covered mountains, we were greeted by the sounds of battle. The air was thick with the tension of conflict, and when we arrived at the village outskirts, the sight before us was exactly what we had feared. The monsters were everywhere, and our warriors immediately jumped into action, rushing to the aid of Yuki no Mura’s fighters. The battle raged on, but my companions, well-equipped and well-trained, helped turn the tide in favor of the village.
Once the monsters were vanquished, and the dust settled, the leader of Yuki no Mura, a young woman named Kazuki Kaname, approached us with a mix of gratitude and awe. She had been observing our warriors, visibly impressed by their strength and efficiency. Kazuki, despite her youth and lower rank—an F Rank Huntress—had already earned her place as the village head, especially after the passing of the former leader.
Kazuki’s story intrigued me. At just 22 years old, she was a hybrid of human and orc heritage, combining human agility with the strength of her orc side. Though she was still in the early stages of her career as a huntress, she had already demonstrated a strong sense of duty and potential that could lead her to greater things. Her role involved defending smaller regions and isolated communities from dangers like the very monsters we had just faced. It was clear that she was no stranger to battle and had a deep sense of responsibility to her people.
Though Kazuki was grateful for our assistance in overcoming the crisis, she couldn’t hide her amazement at the level of power and equipment we brought to the table. It must have been a sight to behold—our warriors, with advanced technologies and magical abilities, standing alongside her fighters. After the initial introductions and the expressions of gratitude, Kazuki, ever determined and focused on her duties, requested to speak with the one in charge of the operation. It seemed she had mistaken one of my companions for the leader, but they quickly directed her to me.
I had been tending to the injured warriors, making sure everyone was stable, when Kazuki approached me. Her awe was evident, and she studied me with a mix of curiosity and respect. Our brief introduction was polite, but it was clear there was more to discuss. She led us to the council hall after a short exchange, eager to speak with me in a more formal setting.
As we walked, I could sense Kazuki’s determination and her awareness of the duty she carried as the new head of her village. She might have been young, but the weight of leadership and responsibility was something she had clearly accepted without hesitation. Her village was still recovering from the damage caused by the monster attacks, and I could sense the struggles she faced as both a leader and a huntress.
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Arriving at the council hall, we sat down to discuss the future of Yuki no Mura, their recovery efforts, and how we could assist them moving forward. Kazuki’s determination and humility were evident, but so was her strength. The discussions were focused on alliance-building, not just in terms of defense but also in terms of cooperation for the greater good of the surrounding regions.
Kazuki’s proposal was clear: she wanted our federation’s support, but she also wanted to forge a lasting partnership. Her leadership was both respectable and pragmatic, and her willingness to put the needs of her people above personal pride was something I could appreciate.
The foundation of our alliance was set in motion as Kazuki and I came to a swift yet meaningful agreement. Despite her initial skepticism of what she called "forbidden art"—our fusion of science and magic—she did not waver in her conviction. She was a leader first, one who put the well-being of her people above tradition and superstition. Her trust in us solidified our partnership, and with that, Yuki no Mura was no longer just a distant, snow-covered village; it was now a vital part of the Kokoro Heart Federation—a potential capital city that would shape the future of our united lands.
Kazuki didn’t need to see immediate proof of our promises. My words, my expressions, my unwavering faith in our federation and what we had built over the past year and six months—that was enough for her. The hardships we had endured, the trials we had overcome, and the future we envisioned all spoke louder than any demonstration. And so, with a verbal contract binding our nations in trust, we offered them a gift—our magic-tech, a symbol of both our protection and partnership.
Before we left, I extended an invitation to Kazuki and her council to visit the federation, to witness firsthand the progress we had made. She gratefully accepted, eager to see the true scope of what her people were now a part of.
***
Upon our return to the federation, I reported our success to Kokoro, Grandma Haruko, and the council. Their reactions were nothing short of pride and admiration, as we had not only gained an ally but had also taken a significant step toward expanding our influence. Preparations for further integration were already set in motion, and soon, my companions and I returned to Yuki no Mura, keeping our promise to deliver more equipment, medicine, and advanced technology.
As part of our expansion efforts, we offered the villagers two options:
1. Use magic-tech enhancements to increase their cognitive abilities, instantly granting them knowledge and skills that would help them adapt to the federation’s advancements.
2. Learn naturally, by traveling to our federation and being taught firsthand about business, investment, and various trades.
The response was diverse—some chose the first option, embracing instant wisdom and understanding. Others opted for the second, preferring the traditional method of learning. And a few chose both, seeking a balance between innovation and experience.
Regardless of their choice, every decision was respected, and soon, a small wave of villagers journeyed to our federation to begin their new path.
***
Three weeks passed, and Kazuki finally visited our federation. Her reaction was priceless—she was completely taken aback by the sheer magnitude of what we had built. The towering structures, the magic-tech infused landscapes, the flying vehicles soaring across the sky—it was beyond anything she had ever imagined.
"This..." she murmured, gazing at the vast city before her, "it looks... otherworldly."
Her council members were equally astonished. The beauty, the structure, the harmony of magic and science—it was something they had never dreamed of. They were escorted to our council hall, where they were met by Kokoro, Grandma Haruko, and the other council members.
The discussion between both parties was smooth and insightful. Kazuki, once skeptical, now spoke with respect and excitement, eager to understand our vision and fully embrace this new alliance.
However, beneath all the optimism and progress, one lingering concern remained in both our minds—
What would happen if the Katsuragi Victory Empire found out?
This spontaneous rise of two unified lands, growing into a formidable power, would not go unnoticed forever. Their reaction, whatever it may be, was an unpredictable variable in our future.
But Kokoro was prepared.
The federation already had a contingency plan, and if the Katsuragi Victory Empire ever sought to challenge us, we would be ready.
As the discussions came to a close, the final contract was signed and sealed.
Yuki no Mura was now officially part of the Kokoro Heart Federation.
And so, a new era began.
But the shadows of war loomed ever closer...